Oral Appliance Therapy
Night Guards
It’s estimated that close to 25% of adults in United States suffer from the negative effects of grinding and clenching their teeth, known as Bruxism. Although stress is thought to be one of the major factors, there can be numerous other reasons why people clench and grind their teeth. Several symptoms associated with Bruxism are sensitive teeth, headaches, and achy facial, jaw and neck muscles. Bruxism can lead to many complications if not treated in time including loss of tooth structure and/or damage of dental restorations.
At Needham Dental our experienced team can diagnose the signs of Bruxism and in most cases fit you with a custom night guard fabricated on-site in a single visit. This mouthpiece is custom fit to your mouth structure and anatomy to lessen the damaging effects of Bruxism.
Snore Guards
It is estimated that up to 90% of North Americans snore. During sleep, muscles and soft tissues in the throat and mouth relax, shrinking the airway. As more air is required, soft tissues like the soft palate and uvula vibrate causing “noisy breathing” or snoring. Snoring does not only interrupt your sleep pattern, it could contribute to more long-term health concerns such as high blood pressure, damaging of arteries and the increase of a stroke. Snoring can also be a symptom of Sleep Apnea. Our team can evaluate and advise you whether a small, flexible snore guard device could help you or your loved ones obtain a better, more healthful and restful sleep.
Sports Guards
Up to 30% of dental injuries in United States are related to sport activities. A sports guard fabricated by our experienced team in our on-site laboratory is custom fit to protect your smile and help prevent serious injuries.
Our custom designed Sports Guard absorbs and redistribute force of your teeth, jaw and muscles.
TMJ Appliances
The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your lower jaw to your skull. This flexible joint enables you to open and close your mouth, talk, chew, and yawn. TMJ disorders can cause pain and discomfort in this joint as well as the muscles that control jaw movement. There are different types of disorders and treatments available in which our doctors can advise your for your unique condition, which may vary from self-care methods at home or non-invasive and invasive therapies.